If there can be said to be a front-runner in the GOP primary for Georgia’s open U.S. Senate seat, it might be Rep. Jack Kingston (R-Savannah). The 11-term congressman has so far raised the most money in the race to replace retiring Sen. Saxby Chambliss. In an interview with GPB in late December, Kingston called himself the “consensus conservative” in the race.

Former Secretary of State Karen Handel is a familiar name to many Georgians. She won that statewide race and gave Gov. Nathan Deal a close contest in 2010. Now she’s hoping to capitalize on the statewide name recognition and base of support in the crowded Republican primary for Georgia’s open U.S. Senate seat. Handel told GPB people want someone in Washington they trust who is a problem-solver.

Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-Marietta) is part of a crowded GOP field that hopes to replace Saxby Chambliss and keep Georgia’s Senate seat in Republican hands. He says his record in the House shows he will protect traditional, conservative values in the Senate. This continues a series of conversations this week with GOP Senate candidates.

The primary race for Georgia’s open U.S. Senate seat heats up in the first weeks of 2014 with the election looming May 20. For Rep. Paul Broun (R-Athens), the race is all about liberty. This is the first of a series of conversations this week with GOP Senate candidates as the campaign kicks into high gear.

Democrat Michelle Nunn says she is running for the U.S. Senate from Georgia in 2014. Nunn, the daughter of former U.S. Sen. Sam Nunn of Georgia, said Monday evening that she is seeking the seat being vacated by Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss. She said she will file official paperwork Tuesday.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed says he believes a change in leadership of the state Democratic Party is needed because of distractions involving the state chairman. Reed, one of Georgia's highest-profile Democrats, said Wednesday the focus needs to be on building a successful campaign for the 2014 U.S. Senate race.